Why are young people interested in green jobs?

Young people are increasingly interested in protecting the environment and seeking out green jobs. From high school students to individuals in their twenties, there’s plenty of research to support the fact that the younger generations want to make a difference in our planet’s future through the jobs they work in. For instance, a survey of young British people by Green Energy found that 45% wanted to work in a sustainable sector, and research commissioned by domestic and business energy supplier, Good Energy, found that 57% of the young people questioned wanted to work for a business that was environmentally supportive.

Beyond a simple interest in protecting the environment, however, why are young people interested in green jobs? There are three main reasons:

• With the UK government’s target to reach carbon net zero by 2050, it is the younger generations who are most likely to see whether that target is achieved. Young people want to take control now to protect their future.
• Young people want employment that is meaningful and an employer who shares their values. Working in a green job for a business that plays an active role in driving sustainability is therefore of great interest to them.
• Younger generations have grown up in a world where being environmentally conscious is important. They are more educated about the effects of human activity on the planet and how a greener future can be achieved.

Young people are keen to work in green careers but are they equipped to land those jobs? Do they have the relevant skills?

Do young people have the skills to work in green jobs?

While many young people express an interest in working in a green job, do these generations have the right skills and knowledge to do so? Research by Plan International of 18 to 30 year olds around the world found that only 29% of those surveyed felt prepared and adequately skilled to work in a green job. This means that two thirds of those surveyed felt that their education had not prepared them for employment that directly addressed environmental issues.

Young people are enthusiastic to make a difference, including in the job they do, but for many there is a disconnect between what they are taught at school, college, and university and how that equips them for a real world green job.

The World Skills UK report, published in 2022, concluded that the answer to this problem and the current shortage of green skills being experienced by employers should be addressed in the following ways:

• More should be done to educate, inform, and inspire young people from all backgrounds to develop STEM skills and pursue a green career, especially young women.
• The importance of technical skills in the green economy should be highlighted to attract more younger people into apprenticeships and training programmes.
• There should be an ongoing investigation into whether the green skills being taught are a match for what is required by employers.
• Smaller businesses should receive assistance in understanding which training courses and qualifications offer the right green skills and knowledge to work in their green roles.
• Large businesses should take a mentoring role in assisting smaller businesses.

What are the main pathways into green jobs?

Not all young people are still in education. Many are already working. So while education is one pathway into green employment, there are alternatives. Here are the main pathways into green jobs.

  Education

The key to taking this pathway into a green job is research. While high schools and colleges may offer general careers information, young people must investigate the topic of green careers for themselves. For instance, which green job or industry are you interested in? What are the skills and qualifications to work in that green job? STEM subjects are especially relevant.

Apprenticeships will generally offer technical skills and a chance to work for the organising employer upon completion.

Vocational and higher education provide the chance to study more specialised subjects and focus in on the exact skillset and knowledge required to land a green job.

  Volunteering and internships

Both volunteering and working as an intern provide a means to build experience in a role or industry and introduce yourself to prospective employers. While volunteering isn’t paid, internships often are. Both types of vacancy can be found on job boards like Joblookup.

  Entry level jobs

One way to land a green job without relevant skills or qualifications is through an entry level position where training is provided on-the-job. This can be an excellent way to gain a foothold in a green industry before you progress to more senior roles.

  Career change

For individuals who are already employed but want to transition to a green job, there are plenty of opportunities to move from a related industry. For instance, a construction worker who has experience in traditional building skills may wish to work for an employer in the green building sector. Such workers will already have relevant skills and knowledge, but may be asked to update their skills by training on the job or gaining a new qualification.

Wrapping it up

Young people want to play a part in driving a green economy and work in green jobs because of their interest in protecting the environment, their enthusiasm for meaningful employment, and to protect their future.